The Mystery Of Gentleness and Perfect Powerful Peace

Perfect Father…

My dad had a way of warming hearts with his smile. If he were here today, my twenty-one-year-old son might say, “Pop’s authentic,” but, Noah never met him. My husband and three older boys acted out embellished stories about his Upstate New York woodsman adventures or Italian Stallion strength…or how “Poppy” ate all three sections of a huge tin of popcorn one night. I often spoke about my father as if he were the best dad a girl could ever have. However, as he approached the end of his life, his faith and integrity pointed to and proved, there’s only one perfect father who deserves all the glory: The maker of heaven and earth; everlasting faithful one; strength wrapped in truth and gentleness…not flesh and bone. Awesome God. The Giver of Days. My inheritance. Bits of wisdom he left in my hand. Perhaps timeless clues we’re meant to share—including those about the mystery of gentleness and perfect powerful peace.

• 

• 

• 

• 

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 ESV

Powerful Savior

God’s son Jesus, spoke life and hope and peace to everyone who listened, even a criminal hanging on the cross next to him. Above all, he asked his father, to forgive them. My savior proved once and for all—there is unexplainable power in gentleness.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 

Philippians 4:5

Forever

At first glance, one might not see how three words, I love you, hold power to heal or hurt, nurture or destroy. However, that phrase is rooted in the person. People change. God stays the same. I’ve often wondered about his definition of those words. I’d bet it starts with less self camouflaged in a one-letter-word and a lot more sacrifice. As a result, forever takes on a whole new meaning.

The mystery?

If Jesus lived the example of the way to love through acts of kindness, patience, and compassion, why is it such a mysterious thing for us to figure out? These were his instructions before he went to prepare a place for us:

• Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience.   ~ Colossians 3:12 ~
• Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. ~ Proverbs 16:24
• A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ~ Proverbs 15:1

• 

• 

• 

• 

Peacekeepers

Like songbirds raise their voices to the heavens, I hope to be moved to sing praises all day and rest in peace all night. I need to fall on my knees. Lay down my will. And above all, ask for wisdom to understand the depth of God’s mercy and grace, especially when a random bird’s song becomes a balm that heals anything that ails me. I pray he moves in me with such powerful actions that speak louder than words. After all, each breath we breathe is proof of his faithfulness. No matter the circumstances. Today or tomorrow. The mystery of gentleness and perfect powerful peace remains. Good news worth sharing.

I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Revelation 3:8 ESV

• 

• 

• 

• 

Above all, let’s lean into the truth of God’s word; this steadfast hope is not only for an abundant future—because the stuff of this world will fade away. But there will be a day when all that remains is our praise.

Dear friends,

Persevering in gentleness when life throws us a million curveballs is not something we can easily accomplish. https://inspireafire.com/with-all-his-heart/ Even so, do you think heaven is worth the effort? https://inspireafire.com/hope/ https://inspireafire.com/where-he-leads-me/

I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories. Don’t forget to join the conversation here in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post. Stop by my Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog at: https://joannclaypoole.wordpress.com or my FB, Twitter, Instagram pages for more stories, scripture quotes, and the every day la, la, la. ~ Good news worth sharing with your friends. http://joannclaypoole.com/about-the-author/

Wishing you love, joy, and peace on the journey.

JC

Final thanks and photo credits: All free images from Pixabay ~ Feature photo by AlainAudet. Gallery: LT image by Free-Photos, CT image by Deep Khicher, RT image by annca, Bottom Lg image by skalekar1992. Lg image by suju. Gallery: LT image by marvelmozhko, CT image by sabinevanerp, RT image by StockSnap. Bottom Lg image by reneebigelow. Gallery: LT image by Michael Siebert, CT image by Free-Photos, RT image by Evgeni Tcherkasski. Bottom image by Daniel Reche.